8 DAYS – MAI CHAU VALLEY & PU LUONG TREKKING TOUR

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia. Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Morning, start a full day city tour beginning with Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At the complex, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (closed on Monday, Friday and through October - November) and the rural style house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Afternoon, continue the tour to one of the following museums of choice namely the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Vietnamese, the Museum of Revolution, the Museum of Military History and the Museum of Ethnology. Go to Hoan Kiem Lake, the center point of Hanoi whose name “The Return Sword Lake” originated from a legend of a sacred sword and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake. Next, take a one-hour cycle tour of the Old Quarter of Hanoi with its ancient streets representing traditional trades from the past. Finish the tour at the Thang Long Opera Theatre with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Morning, transfer you to Mai Chau, where a scenic drive through the countryside will gradually transition you from the bustling cityscape to the serene rural landscapes of Hoa Binh province. Along the way, you’ll enjoy plenty of picturesque photo opportunities before reaching Lac Village in Mai Chau Valley around noon. Upon arrival, savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local stilt house, immersing yourself in the flavors and culture of the region. After lunch, continue your journey deeper into Mai Chau Valley, heading toward the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve. As the road narrows, leave the car behind and set off on foot along a charming country backroad that winds down into the valley. Crossing a shallow river brings you to Ban Hang, a tranquil village and the destination for your first homestay of the trek. Here, you’ll be welcomed by a local Thai family, where you can refresh and relax before enjoying a traditional dinner, sharing stories and learning more about the culture of this warm and hospitable ethnic minority community. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Pu Luong

Awaken to the gentle sounds of village life as roosters crow and livestock stir. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to your host family and prepare for a memorable day of trekking. Leaving the village’s rice paddies behind, you’ll cross a shallow river, entering a lush valley that narrows into a jungle-lined ravine. Emerging from the forest, the landscape opens up to reveal expansive terraced rice fields in the neighboring community, creating stunning views at every turn. Energized, continue trekking along a wider path that leads to Kho Muong Village. Tucked between towering karst limestone mountains, this village is among the most beautiful settings on the journey. Here, you’ll experience another warm homestay in a traditional White Thai stilt house. In the evening, take an optional visit to a nearby limestone cave before settling in for the night in this peaceful village home. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Pu Luong

After breakfast, say goodbye to your host family and set off on your final trek of the journey. Today’s walk is a gentle descent through the lush landscapes of the nature reserve, leading you down a wide-open valley. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains, dense forests, and scenic farms. By midday, you'll arrive at the quaint town of Pho Doan, where your private transport will be waiting for you. After a delicious lunch, continue your journey back to Hanoi, but not before making a stop to visit the traditional bamboo water wheel systems along the way. This unique and fascinating sight offers insight into local farming practices and the region’s rich cultural heritage. Transfer you to Hanoi, check in hotel and relax Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Morning pickup at 8:00 AM from your hotel for transfer to Ha Long Bay, which is about 160 km or 3.5-hour drive away. On the way, you will see some rural areas of the Red River Delta with plenty of chances to take photos of Vietnamese farmers working in paddy fields. Stop half way to visit a handicraft workshop of fine clothes and embroidered paintings. Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM and check in aboard the booked junk right after the welcome drink is served. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoy the mighty bay view. Ha Long Bay meaning Descending Dragon Bay in Vietnamese as legend has it that it was where a holy dragon landed down from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The bay cruise will continue with up close sighting of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave and swimming stop at Titov Beach. Relax to enjoy the bay view at sunset, have dinner after, go fishing at 09:00 PM and spend a night on board. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner Accommodation: overnight on cruises in Ha Long Bay

Wake up at 06:30 AM and refresh your body and mind with a Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck. Tai Chi is an ancient internal martial art often practiced in soft and gracefully slow moves to enhance internal harmony and vitality. Have tea and coffee onboard before proceeding to Titov Islet or SoiSim Island to trek and swim. Check out at 09:30, have a buffet brunch while cruising back to shore. Disembark at 11:00 AM to transfer to Hanoi for relax Meals: Brunch Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Leisure time until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City for departure